Why do you need to sterilize glass jars for green seasoning and other condiments
Whether you are making your favorite green seasoning blend or jam or chutney recipe, it is always good to sterilize glass jars. The glass jars must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid hygiene issues.
Canning and preserving food is a method that has worked for many years. Food preservation has proved time and time again to be a way to provide for one’s family when times are hard. It is a way to help the young generations understand the importance of avoiding food waste.
Food is preserved in many ways. For example, if you have a lot of tomatoes, you can make your tomato sauce. This way, you do not have to worry about that canned stuff whole or preservative you buy at the supermarket. It’s a way to provide for your family and save money at the same time.
The 411 on canning with glass jars
Learning how to preserve food properly is essential for your health. There are several canning methods to learn. Depending on your needs, the tools and equipment might be different.
One of the essential steps in canning is sterilizing your jars. It is necessary to learn how to properly sterilize your jars to avoid food poisoning and maintain your food’s longevity. Buying the proper jars is also important. You can have all the tools and equipment and have faulty jars that will ruin your entire batch of food.
How to sterilize glass jars for canning
First, remember that sterilizing is a process of removing any bacteria, fungi, or yeasts. This helps protect the food in the jar. An uncleaned jar will spoil the food.
One important thing to remember is not to add hot food in cold jars or cold food in hot jars. The glass will chatter and will cause problems for you. Who likes to clean broken glass and get cut in the process? No one does, so remember this tip.
How to choose the right mason jar?
Choosing the correct jar will depend on your recipe and the food you want to preserve. Before adventuring in food canning, make sure you do your due diligence and learn about the canning methods first. There are several books available on Amazon. Check out this link: click here!
There are few methods out there for jars sterilization, but I am old-fashioned and slightly modernized. I prefer the stove method and the dishwasher method. Each technique is different and requires patience.
The stove method:
This method is one of the most popular and trusted methods. The jars are washed in soapy water and then submerged in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
The dishwasher method:
If you have a high-temperature setting on your dishwasher, you can choose to use it to wash the jars.
Whatever method and type of jar you use again will depend on your recipes, kitchen temperature, and environment. Yes, the environment is a concern. You may have to let the jars in the boiling water a bit longer at a higher altitude.
Tools ideas you might need
Final Notes and tips for canning and preserving
Lastly, here are a few tips to help your green seasoning blend, jellies, jams, chutneys, and pickled food last longer.
- Learn about canning and preserving food. There are plenty of useful books and websites that can help you.
- Choose the right recipe(s)
- Choose the right jars, size, and lids
- A sterilized method is a must to avoid food poisoning.
- Do not use an old jar lid or damaged.
- Follow the instructions for canning jars thoroughly
- Always buy more jars than you need. You never know what may happen.
- Don’t forget to label the jars: name and date are critical.
Still interested in making your seasoning blends, jellies, and jams? Don’t worry! You can do it. There are just a few essential steps to follow.
Here are some recipe ideas to try:
- Pickled Red Onions with Noubess Hot Sauce
- Tomato and Ginger Chutney
- How to make Haitian Spicy Peanut Butter Recipe
Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/sterilize-jars-for-jams-and-preserves-435340
